Coal River in West Virginia

Trip Overview

The Upper Falls of Coal River features a gentle drop of 15 feet over a sandstone shelf. The adjacent Meadowood Park will be the site of a boat launch and portage facility to be completed in 2008. Meadowood offers soccer fields, volleyball, picnic shelters, children's play structures and fishing. A walking trail is planned. Parking and restrooms are available. Admission is free. Mandatory portage around the gristmill weir makes Meadowood a nice stop along the Walhonde Water Trail, which follows the Coal River to the trail end at nearby Saint Albans.

Directions:

From I-64 westbound, take exit 55 and proceed along Kanawha Turnpike, Lincoln Drive and Upper Falls Road; turn right between the railroad crossing and the bridge. From I-64 eastbound, take exit 44, US Route 35 south, West Main Street east, Coal River Road south and Upper Falls Road south; turn left at the end of the bridge.

Launches:

A portage facility around the weir at Upper Falls should be completed sometime in 2008. For updates, go to http://upperfalls.us/ and click the "River" link.